www.LithuanianTravel.com The Republic of is a country situated along the eastern coast of the . Its area covers 65, 3 thousand sq. km. Of its 3,397,000 residents, 83, 5% are Lithuanian, 6, 7% Polish, 6, 3% Russian, and 1% others. In 2009, the capital city of Vilnius – with over 550 thousand residents, will become the first Europe culture capital from the new members of EU. Other large towns include Kaunas, the seaport of Klaipėda, Šiauliai, and Panevėžys. The Baltic sea There are over 100 towns in the country, of which, 30 were established over 750 years ago.

Content Klaipėda – sea gates of lithunia ...... 2 – summer capital of the country ...... 8 Šventoji ...... 10 – unique beauty of nature ...... 15 Nida – centre of Neringa’s resort ...... 17 Juodkrantė – - ...... 18 By the bird migration route ...... 22 Ventės ragas – ...... 23 Šilutė – Rusnė – (Mingė) ...... 24 Coast of amber

he Lithuanian Baltic seacoast is undoubtedly one of the most Tbeautiful in all of Europe. White sand beaches are followed by dunes, while fresh pinewoods separate beaches from settlements. It is to our country’s coast that the Baltic Sea washes ashore the most beautiful amber in the world. The sea resorts of Lithuania themselves are comparative to a necklace of amber, where every town or settlement, as the “sun stone“, has its own characteristic glow.

laipėda is the sea gate of the country – it is the largest centre Kof industry and culture located in western Lithuania. It is also one of the most rapidly developing cities of the country. During the warm season of the year, Palanga becomes the summer capital of Lithuania - it is full of uproar offering different entertainment and culture events. When it is chilly, the resort in the pinewoods – it is an excellent place for conferences, seminars, or to improve health in convalescent homes all year round.

he Curonian Spit is a declared UNESCO world heritage site, it Tis a real miracle created by sand, wind, and people between two bodies of water. It includes the whole panorama of dunes – white Volant sand beauties playing with the wind; still, Gray (Dead) dunes that poured over several villages; green hills overgrown with old woods. Romantic set- tlements that have preserved the old fisherman architecture style harmoni- ously match the surrounding nature.

he eastern seacoasts of the Curonian Bay are completely dif- Tferent. The fishing delta of Nemunas fascinates visitors by the beauty of its lush wild nature, fauna, and abundance of birds. The old fisher- man villages – Rusnė, Mingė, Kintai and Dreverna – smell of smoked fish. The lighthouse of Ventės ragas stands as if to guide the bird migration route. Seemingly, the lighthouse invites the winged travellers to “wear“ the mark of one of the oldest bird ringing stations in Europe. Klaipėda – sea gates of Lithuania

Klaipėda, the only seaport in Lithuania, style located the Klaipėda’s old town; stone houses is also the most northern non-freezing port in with jugend (modern) elements of the middle the Baltic Sea. The seaport located by the strait of the 19th century are located nearby; elegant of the sea and the Curonian Bay is the industrial neogothic-neoclassic red brick buildings. and cultural centre of Lithuania’s seacoast and the third largest town of the country. Music life is very active on the seacoast in the summer – several serious and light music Klaipėda was already known as a trade festivals, and concerts take place; a real treat to centre from the 13th century, where, after crossing the melomans is the international Pilies Jazz the Baltic Sea it was visited by the merchants from Festival in the beginning of June. As is fit for a Northern and Western countries. The founding seaport, the most spectacular event in Klaipėda date of the city is considered August 1, 1252; in is the Sea Festival (since 1934). The most famous 1257, Klaipėda was given Lubek (city) rights. art collective of Klaipėda is the sport dance Klaipėda established in the old lands of the ensemble “Žuvėdra“ –multi European and world Curonians and belonging to the ethno region of champions. Samogitia. Germans administered it for 500 years (until 1923) and it was called Memel. This period is Klaipėda attracts by excellent recreation reminded by a whole block of buildings in fachwerk possibilities: spacious white sand beaches of 2 3 Smiltynė separated from the town by a strip of Klaipėda is included in the route of the pinewood (complying with the requirements Baltic Sea cruise ships. The cruise ship terminal of Blue Flag); it is easy to reach the beaches of and Pilies yacht port is located in the very centre Melnragė or Giruliai. There are many places to of the city offering 5 international ferry routes, visit in the city and on the outskirts; there is a excellent land roads leading to the seaport, and wide selection of cafes, restaurants, nightclubs – the closest airport is located in Palanga. Therefore, according to cuisines, and styles. Almost 40 hotels, we can say that all roads lead to Klaipėda – to the guesthouses, and rentable cottages are located in centre of the Lithuania’s seacoast. the city.

Places to visit

Theatre square - heart of the port and the artist, but also the works of other old Lithuanian favourite place for cultural events. Its colourful art. Music of 48 bells of carillon sound from the history dates back to the 17th century. Its focus: beautiful neogothic old post tower built in the the Klaipėda drama theatre building built in end of the 19th century chimes every Sunday 1819 – the oldest theatre building in Lithuania, at noon; at the Clock Museum, one of the and a sculpture of poet’s Simon Dach poem hero biggest clock exhibitions in Europe is displayed. “Tarava Anikė” erected for his memory in 1912. Nearby, you can find a monument for the author The square is surrounded by different workshops of folk art, souvenir shops, and cafes. The history of Klaipėda city and region is displayed in the Pilies and Mažoji Lietuva museums; many original heritage exhibits are also displayed in Smithery (Kalvystės) museum.

Klaipėda old town fachwerk block represents a whole “art island“: the ensemble of 7 buildings includes Klaipėda Art Exhibition Chamber; Barotti gallery which is located at its side; the whole pallet of seaport artists’ creations can be found at the Klaipeda gallery. Also close by, are several very original art galleries. ”Residents of Klaipėda have a sense of humour” – this is what you will think when you see snappy sculptures – restored informational pillar of Birža bridge, a village resident guiding a child across a street or a happy cat.

Liepų Street rich in neogothic and modern buildings is another art zone: gallery of Pranas Domšaitis, in which not only exhibits this 2 3 Klaipėda – sea gates of Lithuania

of the first Lithuanian fiction book Kristijonas of trained dolphins and California sea lions Donelaitis, and a sculpture in memory of the attracting many spectators are organized in the pioneer of Lithuanian writing Martynas Mažvydas dolphinarium. Other interesting activity of the decorates the beautiful square of Lietuvninkai. museum covers dolphin therapy for children with The Mažvydas sculpture park, created by the disabilities. In the dungeons of the embankments Soviet government, is located in the place of old of the castle, history of Lithuania’s navigation Klaipėda cemetery. Over 100 modern artists works are displayed there.

Upon crossing the strait Smiltynė – the spearhead of the Curonian Spit is located on the other shore. At its end, you will find the most popular Lithuanian sea museum- dolphinarium – it is annually visited by over 0, 5 million people. The complex of the museum located in the former Kopgalis castle includes a rich and attractive sea nature exposition, fauna can be found in aquariums and pools; exhibitions 4 5 is exhibited. Curonian Spit NP Nature museum is also located in Smiltynė. Diverse expositions of this original peninsula are displayed in three ancient buildings.

The most beautiful panorama of Klaipėda, Smil- tynė pinewoods and sea opens up from the St. Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Church’s tower at almost 50 metres tall. The most picturesque views of the dunes, the Curonian Spit, and

the other shores will open if you travel by ship in the Curonian Bay.

If you want wild nature, then go to the Seacoast regional park between Klaipėda and Palanga located on a 30 km strip. Karklė village is a settlement of amber fishermen and the haven of holidaymakers searching for tranquillity. Especially specific historical heritage – the Black Castle (II World War seacoast castle) – is located in the territory of the park. It is now an informational exposition featuring places to visit in the park.

Beer from the brewery “Švyturys“ ope- rating for over 220 years can also be considered the “visiting card” of Klaipėda. Excursions are organized in the brewery. During tasting you will be able to confirm that several varieties of beer are really worth the title of being best in the world. 4 5 Klaipėda – sea gates of Lithuania

KLAIPĖDA TOURISM AND CULTURE KLAIPĖDA DRAMA THEATRE INFORMATION CENTRE 2 Teatro Street 7 Turgaus Street Tel. +370 46 314 464, fax +370 46 314 460 Tel. +370 46 412 186, fax +370 46 412 185 [email protected]; www.kldteatras.lt/ [email protected]; www.klaipedainfo.lt KLAIPĖDA MUSIC THEATRE GARGŽDAI TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE 19 Danės Street Klaipėda region Tel.: +370 46 397 402, 397 407 15 Klaipėdos Street, Gargždai [email protected]; www.muzikinis-teatras.lt/ Tel.: +370 46 473 416, +370 682 338 72 tourgargzdai@delfi.lt; www.klaipedos-r.lt/turizmas KLAIPĖDA JAZZ CLUB ”KURPIAI” 1a Kurpių Street PILIES MUSEUM Tel.: + 370 46 410 555, 410 333, +370 682 322 20 4 Pilies Street, tel. +370 46 410 524 [email protected]; www.jazz.lt [email protected]; www.mlimuziejus.lt Klaipėda German community MAŽOJI LIETUVOS HISTORY MUSEUM SIMONAS DACHAS HOME 6 Didžioji Vandens Street, tel. +370 46 410 524 7 Jūros Street, tel. +370 46 311 481 [email protected]; www.mlimuziejus.lt [email protected]; www.vdd.lt

SMITHERY MUSEUM SEACOAST REGIONAL PARK 2 Šaltkalvių Street, tel. +370 46 410 526 6 Vilties Street [email protected]; www.mlimuziejus.lt Tel./fax +370 46 412 483 [email protected]; www.pajuris.info/lt CLOCK MUSEUM 12 Liepų Street, tel.: +370 46 410 414, 410 413 CURONIAN SPIT NATIONAL PARK [email protected]; www.muziejus.cjb.net SMILTYNĖ VISITOR CENTER 18 Smiltynės Street, tel./fax +370 46 402 256 LITHUANIA SEA MUSEUM AND [email protected]; www.nerija.lt DOLPHINARIUM 3 Smiltynės Street, tel.: +370 46 490 751, 490 754 Klaipėda ship repair company [email protected]; www.juru.muziejus.lt 4 Pilies Street Tel. on call: +370 650 204 50, +370 618 346 40 Lithuanian art museum [email protected], [email protected] PRANAS DOMŠAITIS GALLERY www.ports.lt/jacht.php? 33 Liepų Street, tel.: +370 46 410 416, 410 412 [email protected] KLAIPĖDA YACHTING CENTRE www.muziejai.lt/panorama.htm 25 Smiltynės Street, tel./fax: +370 46 391 131, 391 107 (museums in the region and towns – Klaipėda) [email protected]; http://jachtklubas.w3.lt

KLAIPĖDA ART EXHIBITION CHAMBER SMILTYNĖ FERRY 3 Aukštoji Street, tel. + 370 46 314 443 I ferry – 8 Žvejų Street Tel./fax +370 46 313 691 (in the old town – for pedestrians) [email protected]; www.parodurumai.lt II ferry – 8 Nemuno Street Tel. on call: +370 46 311 117; www.keltas.lt Klaipėda artist union KLAIPĖDA GALLERY INTERNATIONAL SEA FERRY (ferries) 4 Bažnyčių Street/10 Daržų Street 10 Perkėlos Street, tel. +370 46 310 561 Tel. +370 46 410 401 www.scandlines.lt, [email protected] Tel.: +370 46 395 111, +370 5 231 33 14 www.lisco.lt/lisco/lines/lines.html

6 7 Accommodation in klaipėda

Hotels

EUROPA ROYALE 4**** PALVA 3*** 21 Žvejų Street, tel. +370 46 404 444 19 Smiltynės Street [email protected]; www.hoteleuropa.lt Tel./fax +370 46 391 155 [email protected], www.palva.lt KLAIPĖDA 4**** 1 N. Sodo Street, tel. +370 46 404 372 PARKAS 3*** [email protected]; www.klaipedahotel.lt 3 Liepojos Street, tel. +370 46 385 283 [email protected]; www.hotelparkas.com NAVALIS 4**** 23 H.Manto Street, tel./fax +370 46 404 200 PROMENADA 3*** [email protected]; www.navalis.lt 41 Šaulių Street, tel. +370 46 403 020 [email protected]; www.promenada.lt RADISSON SAS 4**** 28 Šaulių Street, tel. +370 46 490 800 VĖTRA 3*** [email protected] 80a Taikos Avenue, tel. +370 46 348 002 www.Radisson.com/klaipedalt [email protected]; www.infogidas.lt

VECEKRUG 4**** PAJŪRIS 2** 23 Jūros Street, tel. +370 46 301 002 18 Šlaito Street, Giruliai [email protected]; www.vecekrug.lt Tel. +370 46 490 154 [email protected]; www.pajurishotel.lt ARIBĖ 3*** 17 a Bangų Street, tel. +370 46 490 940 PRŪSIJA 2** [email protected]; www.aribe.lt 6 S. Šimkaus Street, tel. +370 46 412 081 [email protected]; www.prusijahotel.lt BALTPARK 3*** 119 Minijos Street, tel. +370 46 380 803 [email protected]; www.baltpark.com

LŪGNĖ 3*** 16 Galinio pylimo Street Guesthouses Tel./fax +370 46 411 884 [email protected]; www.lugne.com LITINTERP 2** 17 Puodžių Street, tel. +370 46 410 644 MAGNISIMA 3*** [email protected]; www.litinterp.lt 11 J. Janonio Street Tel./fax +370 46 310 901 [email protected]

MORENA 3*** SEACOAST REGIONAL PARK 8a Audros Street, tel. +370 46 351 314 Klaipėda region [email protected]; www.morenahotel.lt Rest house KARKLYNĖ 1* NESĖ 3*** Karklė village, 46 Sportininkų Street, tel. +370 46 410 077 Tel.: +370 683 916 81, +370 671 062 39 [email protected], www.nese.lt [email protected], www.karklyne.lt 6 7 Palanga – summer capital of the country

Palanga is considered the biggest, worldly, century, the villas of Palanga, entertainment and the noisiest summer entertainment city by infrastructure, and beach equipment matched the sea. It is especially liked by young people. those of the best resorts of Germany and other Here, as is typical to the whole Lithuanian Baltic countries. coast,, white sand beaches lean onto dunes offering “warm places“ for sunbathing their dips even in early spring. The resort is separated from the seacoast zone by a fresh strip of pinewood. Palanga’s Botanical Park Beach complies with the requirements of Blue flag. The name of Palanga was mentioned for the first time in 1253. For centuries, the residents of this settlement were engaged in fishery, and collecting amber washed out from the sea. Palanga as a resort started to form in the 19th century thanks to the dynasty of counts Tiškevičiai, and in the beginning of the 20th 8 9 Currently in Palanga, there are over 60 different level accommodation establishments: from luxurious hotels to modest guesthouses. Besides, there are also over 10 rehabilitation and health centres. As in many resorts, accommodation services are offered by residents – they offer cottages, apartments, rooms. Palanga is a favourite place for international political meetings, during the chilly season it is a place for conferences and seminars. The main artery of the resort is Basa- navičius street, sometimes also called the Broadway of Palanga. In it from the early morning, the visitors are welcomed by many different cuisine and music style cafés, restaurants and other entertainment. It is extended for nearly half a kilometre to the sea by a bridge, as well as the large Botanical Park – calm “territory” for romantics. There are many light music concerts and festivals in Palanga in summer. The most interesting music, theatre events and show take place in clubs “Ramybė“, “Vandenis“, “Kupeta“. It is easy to reach Palanga – several airlines take holidaymakers to the resort, roads leading to the city are good. In addition, the sea is fascinating at any time of the year.

8 9 Palanga – summer capital of the country

Šventoji

Šventoji, situated 12 km north of Palanga, by the fall of the River Šventoji, it was a port in the 17th century, which was flooded in 1701 during the Northern War by Swedes because of competition. After restoration of the state of Lithuania, the port was revived, but later attention was concentrated on the development of Klaipėda port. Embankment remaining from that period is a favourite place for walking. The sculpture of the three “Daughters of a fisherman” standing on a dune reminds us that long ago Šventoji was just a village of fishermen.

Over 20 hotels and health centres are located in Šventoji; there are many wooden houses for 3 – 4 persons, which are liked by families with small children who are on holiday. Spacious beaches are especially beautiful here. There are several very originally equipped cafes and entertainment places in the resort.

Šventoji beach for the disabled. The Lithuanian Paraplegia Association Landscape Therapy Centre is located in Monciškė and it is equipped for people with disabilities. Wooden paths are built in the pinewood to the sea, and there is a special stand for lowering into the sea. Šventoji beach for the disabled is the only beach equipped for the disabled in all of the Baltic States.

10 11 Places to visit

One of the most beautiful places in A bicycle path (12 km and 25 km) joins Palanga is the Tiškevičiai palace and the Palanga and Šventoji as well as Klaipėda; the surrounding large Botanical Park designed by same path is also built to Vydmantai (4 km). Two the famous landscape architect Eduard Andre. cultural routes go through Palanga: the Curonian Amber museum is located in the palace, which Road and the Road of Amber. presents all the diversity of amber and the collection of inclusions is the biggest in the world. The only Winter garden in Eastern Amber is the symbol of Lithuania. Concerts and Europe is located in town – it was poetry evenings take place in the terrace of the established 130 ago. This glasshouse belongs to palace on August evenings. the palace complex, in which Kretinga Museum is located. Ancient Baltic Astronomic calendar with Birutė Hill on which paleastronomy a sun clock was restored in the park of the palace. observatory – a pagan shrine of fishermen and By Plungė – road in Gargždelė village you cultivators - was standing up until the end of the will find a museum full of philosophic stone and 14th century is in the territory of the park. In the wood sculptures – Orvydai Homestead; which 19th century, neogothic chapel was built and is is the only of Lithuanian museums was included still standing there. into the list of the most unique world objects by the Royal London association of geographers. Two memorial museums are located in the centre of the city. Jonas Šliūpas (1861–1944), And very close to Palanga one can find former Palanga burmister memorial homestead two very entertaining village entertainment displays fragments of the history of the city; complexes (and hotels) “Pas Juozą“ and Antanas Montis (1921–1993) home presents the “Virkštininkų dvaro užeiga“, surrounded by history of the famous sculptor and the works he beautiful nature, where there are many active presented to the city of Palanga. rest entertainments, excellent national cuisine and “live“ domestic beer. 10 11 Palanga – summer capital of the country

PALANGA TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE ORVIDAI HOMESTEAD-MUSEUM 1 Kretingos Street, LT-00132 Palanga Gargždelė, Kretinga region Tel. +370 460 488 11, fax +370 460 488 22 On the right side of highway Plungė-Skuodas [email protected]; www.palangatic.lt Tel. +370 613 286 24 www.muziejai.lt/Kretinga/orvidu_muz.en.htm Estonia TIIT REISID OY 6 Tartu Road, 10145 Tallinn Tel. +372 66 237 62, fax +372 66 237 61 [email protected]; www.tiitreisid.ee

PALANGA AMBER MUSEUM 17 Vytauto Street 17, tel. +370 460 535 01 [email protected]; www.pgm.lt

Dr. JONAS ŠLIŪPAS MEMORIAL HOMESTEAD 23a Vytauto Street, tel. +370 460 545 59 www.muziejai.lt/Palanga/ Sliupas_memorial_farmstead.en.htm

SCULPTOR ANTANAS MONTIS REPUBLICAN UNIQUE STONE MUSEUM HOME-MUSEUM IN MOSĖDIS 16 S. Daukanto Street 2 Salantų Street, Mosėdis LT-98271, Skuodas region Tel.: +370 460 493 66, 493 67, 766 68 Tel. +370 440 762 91, fax +370 440 763 52 [email protected] [email protected] www.muziejai.lt/Palanga/ www.muziejai.lt/Skuodas/Akmenu_muziejus.en.htm moncio_namai_muziejus.en.htm

KRETINGA museum 20 Vilniaus Street, LT-97104, Kretinga Tel. +370 445 776 12 Tel./fax +370 445 773 23 Accommodation in Palanga [email protected] [email protected] Hotels www.kretingosmuziejus.lt AUSKA 5***** ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX and 11 Vytauto Street HOTEL “JUOZO ALUS“ Tel.: +370 460 490 83, 490 84 Žibininkų village, LT-97230: Kretinga region Fax +370 460 490 87 Tel.: +370 445 446 78, +370 655 377 77 [email protected], www.baltijahotel.lt [email protected] www.hbh.lt; www.juozoalus.lt PALANGA 5***** 60 Birutės Avenue ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX Tel.: +370 460 414 14, 414 15 “VIRKŠTININKŲ DVARO UŽEIGA“ [email protected] 6 Liepų Street, Vydmantai www.palangahotel.lt Tel.: +370 445 721 33, +370 600 232 35 www.virkstininkudvaras.lt VANAGUPĖ 5***** 31 Vanagupės Street Tel. +370 460 411 99 Fax +370 460 311 99 [email protected]; www.vanagupe.lt 12 13 ALKA 4**** MEDŪZA 3*** 21 S. Daukanto Street 9a Kontininkų Street Tel. +370 460 414 33 Tel. +370 460 564 50, fax +370 460 481 48 Fax +370 460 414 34 [email protected], www.pkmeduza.lt [email protected], www.alka.lt RĄŽĖ 3*** GABIJA 4**** 74 Vytauto Street 40 Vytauto Street /2 S. Dariaus S. Girėno Street Tel. +370 460 484 62, fax +370 460 484 61 Tel. +370 460 482 51, fax +370 460 575 91 [email protected] [email protected], www.gabija.lt ŠACHMATINĖ 3*** GAMANTA 4**** 45 J. Basanavičiaus Street, tel./fax +370 460 516 55 7 Plytų Street [email protected]; www.sachmatine.lt Tel. +370 460 488 85, 400 00 Fax +370 460 488 89 TAURAS 3*** [email protected]; www.gamanta.lt 116 Vytauto Street Tel. +370 460 491 11, fax +370 460 544 37 PALANGOS VĖTRA 4**** [email protected]; www.feliksas.lt 35 S. Daukanto Street Tel. +370 460 535 79, 530 32 TULPE 3*** Fax +370 460 572 31 11 S.Dariaus ir S.Girėno Street [email protected], www.vetra.lt Tel./fax +370 460 511 75 [email protected];www.tulpehotel.lt PUŠŲ PAUNKSNĖJE, 4 **** 25 S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno Street VANDENIS 3*** Tel. +370 460 490 80, fax +370 460 490 81 47 Birutės Avenue [email protected] Tel. +370 460 535 30, fax +370 460 535 84 www.pusupaunksneje.lt [email protected]; www.vandenis.lt

ALANGA 3*** ŽALIAS NAMAS 3*** 14 S. Nėries Street, tel. +370 460 492 15 97 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 512 31 [email protected], www.alanga.lt [email protected]; www.zaliasnamas.lt

AUSTĖJA 3*** ŽILVINAS 3*** 31 Smilčių Street, tel./fax +370 460 543 50 26 Kęstučio Street [email protected] Tel. +370 360 491 36, fax +370 460 491 97 [email protected]; www.baltijahotel.lt DU BROLIAI 3*** 36 Kretingos Street ŽYDROJI LIEPSNA 3 *** Tel.: +370 460 481 08, 540 28 36 Gintaro Street [email protected] Tel. +370 460 524 41, fax +370 460 482 50 [email protected]; www.hotelzliepsna. KERPĖ 3*** 76 Vytauto Street VILIJA* Tel. +370 460 523 79, fax +370 460 523 49 24 Birutės Avenue [email protected]; www.kerpehotel.lt Tel. +370 460 400 38, fax +370 460 400 39 [email protected]; www.vilijahotel.lt LIUKRENA 3*** 93a Vytauto Street MĖGUVA* Tel. +370 460 525 21 1 Valančiaus Street Fax +370 460 480 53 Tel. +370 460 488 39, fax +370 460 488 19 [email protected], www.feliksas.lt [email protected], www.is.lt/meguva 12 13 Palanga – summer capital of the country

Guesthouses Resthouses

COMFORT INN 4**** POLITECHNIKA 3*** 40 Smilčių Street 37 S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno Street Tel. +370 460 481 09, mob. +370 615 169 94 Tel.: +370 460 512 58, 535 58 [email protected]; www.comfort-inn.lt AUKSINĖS KOPOS 2** DU BROLIAI 4**** 30 Jūros Street, Šventoji 160 Vytauto Street Tel. +370 460 453 65, fax +370 460 451 92 Tel. 370 460 400 40, fax +370 460 528 89 [email protected]; www.akopos.lt [email protected]; www.dubroliai.lt PALANGOS ŽUVĖDRA 2** MAMA ROSA 4**** 11 Meilės Avenue 28a Jūratės Street Tel. +370 460 532 53, fax +370 460 538 52 Tel. +370 460 485 81, fax +370 460 485 80 [email protected]; www.palangos-zuvedra.lt [email protected]; www.mamarosa.lt BALTOJI ŽUVĖDRA 2** RIVASTAR 4**** 1 S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno Street 13 Simpsono Street Tel. +370 460 540 82, tel./fax +370 460 538 52 Tel. +370 460 522 38, fax +370 460 483 56 [email protected]; www.palangos-zuvedra.lt [email protected]; www.rivastar.lt EGLĖ 2** EGLIŲ PAUKSMĖ 3*** 15 Kęstučio Street 31 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 481 86 Tel./fax +370 460 514 66 [email protected] [email protected]; www.eglehotel.lt www.grudoteka.lt/egliu.html

PO KAŠTONU 3*** Hotels – sanatoriums 34 Maironio Street Tel.: +370 460 494 84, 494 89 PALANGOS LINAS 3*** po.kastonu@ palanga.omnitel.net 155 Vytauto Street www.po.kastonu.lt Tel.: +370 460 562 04, 543 59 Fax +370 460 529 50 RAMYBĖ 3*** [email protected] 54 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 541 24 www.palangoslinas.com [email protected]; www.vilaramybe.lt PUŠYNAS 3*** SIMRIS 3*** 1 Žvejų Street 29 Žvejų Street Tel. +370 460 413 71, fax +370 460 413 74 Tel. +370 460 540 64, fax +370 460 545 65 [email protected] simris@ palanga.omnitel.net www.palangapusynas.lt

ALITA 4**** VYTURYS 2** 4 Kretingos Street 20 S.Dariaus ir S. Girėno Street Tel. +370 460 400 11, fax + 370 460 400 12 Tel.: +370 460 491 37, 491 47 [email protected]; www.feliksas.lt [email protected]; www.baltijahotel.lt

TENISAS 2** ENERGETIKAS 1 Gėlių Avenue 1 Kuršių Road, Šventoji Tel. +370 460 528 28 Tel. +370 460 455 11, fax +370 460 482 51 Tel. /fax +370 460 512 90 [email protected]; www.energetikas.lt 14 15 Curonian Spit – unique beauty of nature

The Curonian Spit is a narrow 97 km the sea by a sand strip where they would be able long peninsula between the Baltic Sea and the to fish peacefully. That is when the giant poured Curonian Bay, the northern part of 52 km of sand from her apron causing the sand hills – dunes which belongs to Lithuania – is one of the most –to appear. The, thankful people named the sand picturesque landscapes in Europe. This nature strip after her – Neringa. miracle created by wind, sand, water, and man – Curonian Spit National Park was included into The Curonian Spit has a dramatic history: the list of UNESCO world heritage site in 2000. in 16th – 19th centuries, the woods of the Spit The Spit can be reached only by crossing the Bay fell down and deserts of drifting sand appeared. by ferry from Klaipėda or by seawater routes. Sand driven by the western winds drifted across the peninsula towards the Curonian Bay. Drifting It is said that a good-hearted giant huge dunes buried about 14 seaside fishermen Neringa that lived by the sea built this beautiful villages on their way. In the beginning of the 19th sand strip. She observed for a long time how the – 20th century, the people of the peninsula, lead evil sea god Bangpūtys sent winds and storms by father and son Kuvertai, Ludwig Hagen, and that rip the nets of fishermen, sinking their ships others formed a protective dune on the seaside, in the sea. Moreover, Neringa decided to help the started to plant trees on the drifting sand dunes. fishermen, protect them – by separating a part of This work is continued up until now. 14 15 Curonian Spit – unique beauty of nature

Neringa city-resort is composed of four settlements established by the sea (in this way they are protected from sea western winds) harmoniously matching the fragile nature: the larger ones are Nida and Juodkrantė, the smaller ones are Preila and Pervalka. There are about 50 hotels and guesthouses in Neringa, half of which operate the whole year round. Besides accommodation – local residents offer cottages, apartments, or rooms.

People who want quietude, rest, and free time in nature chose Neringa; after the noise of summer, seminars, symposiums, representatives of creative professions, high rank politicians, organize meetings here.

16 17 Nida – centre of the resort of Neringa

Nida is the largest settlement in Neringa, and windsurfers. Guests can sail in kurėnas known from 1437. The old Nida was buried (ancient fisherman boat). Kite lovers catch sea by sand in the 18th century and it became winds. Coast of the Bay decorated in swarms of the Parnidis dune. The current Nida is the weathercocks is a favourite place for walking. administrative centre of the resort, fostering the Bicycle paths are not only built in Nida, but there united stylistics of the old Lithuanian seaside is also a special path for them running along the architecture. The settlement reminds you of a whole Curonian Spit through all the settlements very orderly fishermen village surrounded by of Neringa to Klaipėda – about 50 km. flowers and pinewood. The international status of Blue flag has been granted to the spacious beach There are more sunny days in Nida per of the town for many years now. year than in any other place in Lithuania.

The main cultural events of the resort also take place in Nida: merry season opening festival, traditional international folklore and chamber music festivals, opera and symphonic music concert “On the seaside in musical August“ and concerts of jazz musicians. The most famous is the international Tom Mann festival, the centre of attraction of which is the villa of the writer. T. Mann visited Nida in 1929 and was fascinated by it; he built a villa here, where he spent the summers of 1930 -1932 with his family.

Nida is a favourite port for yachtsmen, as the Curonian Bay is an excellent for yachts 16 17 Curonian Spit – unique beauty of nature

Preila Preila is one of the smallest settlements in Neringa. The residents of the buried villages of Nagliai and Karvaičiai established it in the 19th century. As all the settlements of the Spit, Preila is hidden from the winds behind the dunes. There are still remains of several ancient fisherman homesteads, and you can find original tombstones characteristic only to this region in the cemetery of the 19th – 20th century. Juodkrantė Nearly halfway between Preila and Nida Juodkrantė was mentioned in written we find the highest dune of the Spit – Vecekrug sources already in 1429. As a resort, the settlement hill overgrown with pines (67, 2 m). became famous in about 1840, and in the second half of the 19th century, it started to grow rapidly, when amber was found on the seacoast of the Bay. Valuable pre-war amber works were also found here. Their copies can be found in V. and K. Mizgiriai gallery-museum in Nida, in Vilnius in the Baltic Amber Museum. Several restored remaining hundred-year-old beautiful villas remind the old beauty of the resort.

Extended by the Bay, Juodkrantė is the second largest settlement in Neringa. You can smell smoked fish here... In July a merry traditional two-day fishermen festival, “Amber hook“ rocks the settlement. Weathercock museum presents an exposition of decorative and unique weathercocks typical only to the residents of the seaside, which cannot be found anywhere else in Europe. On the coast of the Bay, there is a gallery of outdoor sculptures. Pervalka

It is the smallest settlement of Neringa, established almost halfway between Nida and Juodkrantė. The name of this fishermen village is associated with an action – towing of boats. Just as Preila, it was established Nagliai and Karvaičiai villiage residents, which were threatened by sand. Several typical buildings of fishermen homesteads from the beginning of the 19th – 20th century can still be found in the settlement.

18 19 Places to visit Special beauty of the Spit discloses itself from the Parnidis Dune: on one side dunes reined in by pines, on the other – the only chain of drifting dunes in the whole park – real Northern Sahara. Glow of white sand is accentuated from both sides by the waters of the sea and the Bay. The foot of the sun clock is a favourite place for watching sunset. In the southern hollow of the turn of the dunes is the Death Valley. In 1870- 1872 French war prisoner camp was located here. North of the dune is the Silence Valley which can be reached by the nature cognition path; rare local fauna and flora is described in the stands. In the old Nida cemetery (by the Evangelist Lutheran church) ancient Curonian tombstones can still be seen.

A lighthouse built in the end of the 19th century towers over Nida. Upon ascending There is one more sighting tower a little 200 stone steps to Urbas Hill, you will find further, from it, you can observe picturesque yourselves at its foot: wide horizons of the Spit views of the sea, woods, parabolic dunes, and will be revealed before your eyes. Film reviews one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Spit are organized here on summer evenings; Feast of will lay before you – Gray (Dead) dunes, laying St. John starts in Nida here. for several kilometres between Juodkrantė and Pervalka. Several car parking areas can be found by the Gray dunes (Nagliai nature preservation), from them wooden paths lead to a dune array of Juodkrantė and its surroundings fascinating relief constantly renewed by the strong winds – deep hollows and scours, disclosing fragments of old soil, high and steep slopes of On the southern side of Juodkrantė on dunes. In addition, from the tops of the dunes you Witch Hill (formerly John’s, Eve’s) “lives“ a large can observe spectacular breathtaking views. company of wooden creatures – witches, devils, pagan gods, and heroes of seaside legends. It is an exposition of almost 100 sculptures created during several summers by national artists visiting Juodkrantė.

When you leave Juodkrantė towards Nida, and are going up Garniai Hill on the right side of the road in the woods, you will see colonies of herons and cormorant, which are some of the largest in Europe. You can also observe them from a sighting tower.

18 19 Curonian Spit – unique beauty of nature

NIDA CULTURE AND TOURISM INFORMATION NERINGA HISTORY MUSEUM CENTRE “AGILA” 53 Pamario Street, Nida 4 Taikos Street, LT-93121 Nida Tel. +370 469 511 62 Tel. +370 469 523 45, tel./fax +370 469 520 15 [email protected]

Tourism information terminal (24 hours) FISHERMAN ETHNOGRAPHIC HOMESTEAD [email protected]; www.visitneringa.com/lt 4 Naglių Street, Nida Tel./fax (370 469) 523 72 Tourism information terminal (24 hours) [email protected] Neringa city public library 53 Pamario Street, Nida V. AND K. MIZGIRIAI AMBER GALLERY-MUSEUM 20 Pamario Street, Nida PREILA Tel.: +370 469 525 73, 521 41 Tourism information terminal (24 hours) [email protected], www.ambergallery.lt 27 Preilos Street, Preila-Pervalka neighbourhood HERMAN BLODE MUSEUM JUODKRANTĖ TIC 2 Skruzdynės Street, Nida 54 L. Rėzos Street, LT- 93101 Juodkrantė Tel. +370 469 522 21 Tel./fax +370 469 534 90 Tourism information terminal (24 hours) ART GALLERY (NIDA) 8 L. Rėzos Street, Juodkrantės Exhibit House 3 Pamario Street, Nida Tel. +370 612 466 57 CURONIAN SPIT NATIONAL PARK (KNNP) VISITOR CENTRE IN SMILTYNĖ JUODKRANTĖ EXHIBITION CHAMBER 11 Smiltynės Street, Klaipėda 8 L. Rėzos Street, Juodkrantė Tel. +370 46 402 256 Tel./fax +370 469 534 48 [email protected]; www.nerija.lt jparodunam @hotmail.com

KNNP VISITOR CENTRE IN NIDA WEATHERCOCK GALLERY 8 Naglių Street, Nida, tel./fax +370 469 512 56 13 L. Rėzos Street, Juodkrantė [email protected], www.nerija.lt Tel. +370 469 533 57 [email protected] THOM MANN MEMORIAL MUSEUM 17 Skruzdynės Street, Nida NIDA PORT (Neringa) Tel./fax +370 469 522 60 14 Naglių Street, Nida [email protected] Tel. +370 469 511 01 www.mann.lt www.lbs.lt - Vandens keliai/Kuršių marios/ www.visitneringa.com

20 21 Accommodation in Neringa

NIDA AUKSINĖS KOPOS 2** Hotels 17 G. D. Kuverto Street Tel.: +370 469 523 87, 522 12 PARNIDŽIO KOPA 3*** [email protected], www.auksineskopos.com 26 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 526 31 Fax +370 469 527 94, [email protected] NIDOS SKALVA 3** 19 Purvynės Street, tel. +370 469 523 46 NIDOS SMILTĖ 3*** [email protected]; www.skalva-nida.lt 2 Skruzdynės Street, tel./fax +370 469 522 21 [email protected], www.smilte.lt Camping

NIDUS 3*** NIDA CAMPING 3*** 15 G. D. Kuverto Street, tel. +370 469 520 01 45A Naglių Street, tel. +370 469 520 45 [email protected], www.nidus.lt [email protected]; www.kempingas.lt

NERIJA 3 *** JUODKRANTĖ 13 Pamario Street, tel./fax +370 469 527 77 Hotels [email protected]; www.neringahotels.lt EGLIŲ SLĖNIS 3*** VILA JELITA 3*** 28 Ievos kalno Street, tel./fax +370 469 531 70 7 G. D. Kuverto Street, tel. +370 469 511 50 [email protected]; www.egliuslenis.lt [email protected], www.jelita.lt Guesthouses LINĖJA 3*** 18 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 523 90 Vila VITA 4**** [email protected]; www.lineja-hotel.lt 25 L. Rėzos Street, tel./fax +370 469 530 09 [email protected]; www.vilavita.lt JŪRATĖ 2** 3 Pamario Street, tel. +370 469 523 00 KURĖNAS 3*** Fax +370 469 511 18, [email protected] 10 L. Rėzos Street, tel./fax +370 469 531 01 [email protected] Guesthouses Rest houses NIDOS PUŠYNAS 3*** 3 Purvynės Street ĄŽUOLYNAS 4**** Tel. +370 469 522 21, fax +370 469 527 62 4 L. Rėzos Street [email protected], www.smilte.lt/lt/05_pushynas.htm Tel. +370 469 533 10, tel./fax +370 469 533 16 [email protected], www.hotelazuolynas.lt PALVĖ 3 *** 15 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 527 02 SMILGA 2** [email protected]; www.lucanica.lt 18 Kalno Street Tel. +370 686 316 98, fx +370 37 224 400 URBO KALNAS 2 ** [email protected]; www.neringahotels.lt 32 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 524 28 [email protected]; www.urbokalnas.lt PREILA

Rest houses Rest houses

LITORINA 4 **** VĖTRA 2** 19 Nidos-Smiltynės Road, tel. +370 469 525 28 97 Preilos Street, tel. +370 526 206 75 20 [email protected], www.litorina-dubingiai.lt Fax +370 526 188 71, [email protected] 21 By the bird migration route

On the eastern coast of the Curonian importance. NDRP and besides it there are several Bay, the most spectacular places are the delta of interesting places and settlements -Ventė, Kintai, Nemunas and coast close to Ventė horn. Nemunas Šilutė, Rusnė, Minija (Mingė), Uostadvaris. delta regional park (NDRP) is the largest gathering place of migrating water birds in the whole region of the Baltic Sea; cobweb of Nemunas arms and junction canals, unique islands, water meadows, seacoast swamps and forests. The delta is flooded every spring, and not too rarely even in mid winter – then tens of thousands hectares of meadows and fields find themselves under water, and the scattered homesteads can be reached only by boats. According to RAMSAR convention, the delta of Nemunas is included into the list of territories of international 22 23 Kintai Ventė Horn

Kintai is a fishermen settlement by the A lighthouse is operating in the spike of Curonian Bay and the forest. In the 18th–19th Ventė horn since 1863. From here, an excellent centuries, large Kintai fish markets were even panorama of the Curonian Spit discloses itself. visited by the fishermen of the Curonian Spit. The large bird migration route goes through Evangelist church and a former school built in Ventė, so in August – October huge flocks of birds 1705 still stands in the settlement. gather here before the big trip. In 1929, professor Tadas Ivanauskas established a ringing station in Beautiful nature of Kintai in the summer Ventė horn (Ventė horn ornithological station), attracts many holidaymakers; artists like this where several thousands of birds are ringed region. A hippodrome is established here for there during the season. Huge bird catchers can lovers of horse sports. be examined in the station, when birds get into them; they get a passport of Ventė horn – almost There are several hotels, tourism weightless ring on the leg. entertainment centres, camps in the region of Ventė and Kintai. An old fishermen village is located in Ventė horn; recreation and free time service infrastructure is developed here.

22 23 By the bird migration route

Rusnė – a town in an island Šilutė Rusnė is the only Lithuanian town on an It is the second largest town on the island. Between arms of Nemunas - Skirvytė and seacoast after Klaipėda. A settlement of the Atmata, a settlement of Lithuanian and Curonian 15th century established by an inn was called fishermen Rusnė was mentioned for the first time Šilokarčiama for a long time. Many old buildings in the end of the 14th century. Skirvytėlė street is are still standing in Šilutė: the old post office, fire considered a monument of the old architecture station, court and prison, bridge over the river of the settlement – here you will find residential Šyša, old marketplace, port, railway station, and and household buildings of the architecture of a bridge. In this town, public actor and culture character Hugh Scheu established in his palace, which now composes a beautifully restored ensemble, in the 19th century the first museum of regional studies in Klaipėda region.

Šilutė is the motherland of a famous German writer Herman Zudermann (1857– 1928); a monument is built for him here; a museum is founded in the native home of the writer.

the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th Minija (Mingė) – century characteristic only to the seacoast. On the island, the old post office, the restored church, Venice of Lithuania a beautiful ethnographic fisherman homestead, This fishermen settlement (not far from the first water transportation station in Lithuania, Ventė – about 5 km) is the Venice of Lithuania, and Uostadvaris lighthouse still stands. mentioned already in the 17th century. Houses Water, pedestrian, and bicycle tourism are situated on both sides on the river Minija, was developed on the island, which is offered and which performs the function of a street. The organized by the regional park, architecture of the settlement is characteristic to there are also rural tourism homesteads. Three the whole seacoast of Lithuania, only the facades – Pakalnė, Aukštumala, and Žalgiriai cognitive of the houses and the gardens facing towards paths will allow to observe the uniqueness of the river. The village of Minija is a monument upland moors, water-meadow landscapes and of architecture of local importance. Water roads forests un-spoiled by man. can best reach the village; a small yacht port is also located there. 24 PB ŠILUTĖ TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE (TIC) 10 Lietuvininkų Street / 2 Parko Street STONE MUSEUM Šilutė, LT-99185 (Nemunas delta RP) Tel./fax +370 441 777 95 Uostadvaris village, Rusnė, Šilutė region [email protected]; www.siluteinfo.lt Tel. +370 441 622 30

4 Lietuvininkų Street, Šilutė LT – 99179 MINIJA village yacht pier Tel./fax +370 441 622 07 (Nemunas delta RP) [email protected]; www.pamarys.lt/tic/ Tel.: +370 441 472 30, +370 652 726 00 Fax +370 441 473 89 NEMUNAS DELTA REGIONAL PARK (NDRP) bures@delfi.lt 10 Lietuvininkų Street, LT-99185 Šilutė www.lbs.lt-Vandens keliai/Kuršių marios/ Tel./fax +370 441 750 50 [email protected], [email protected] NDRP information centre in Rusnė (during the season) Accommodation in Šilutė region 40A Pakalnės Street, tel. +370 441 581 54 www.nemunodelta.lt Hotel NEMUNAS 2** 70 Lietuvininkų Street, Šilutė ŠILUTĖ MUSEUM Tel. +370 441 523 45 36 Lietuvininkų Street, tel. +370 441 622 09 Fax +370 441 624 80 Departments of Šilutė Museum: [email protected] H. Zudermann museum, Macikai village Macikai prison camp cell-museum, Macikai village LAIMUTĖ GUESTHOUSE 3*** (address Šilutė museum or call tel. (370 441) 620 09 Ž. Naumiestis, Šilutė region concerning visits to departments of museum Tel. +370 441 596 90 [email protected] Fax +370 441 596 61 www.muziejai.lt/Silute/Silutes_muziejus.en.htm [email protected]; www.siltec.lt/laimute

ARCHITECTURE MONUMENTS: Hotel VENTAINĖ 3*** Šilutė (H. Scheu) palace – 4 Lietuvininkų Street Camping VENTAINĖ 2** Buildings in Šilutė – 22, 24, 25 Lietuvininkų Street Ventė village, Šilutė region Tel.: + 370 441 68 525, +370 686 704 90 ART MONUMENTS: Fax +370 441 47 422 Monument for Hermann Zudermann – [email protected], www.ventaine.lt 9 Lietuvininkų Street (by the Evangelist Lutheran church); Guesthouse ŽVEJŲ UŽEIGA 3*** Monument to the patron of the town H. Scheu – Kintai settlement, Šilutė region 4 Lietuvininkų Street (in front of the palace); Tel. +370 441 695 10 Šilutė Evangelist Lutheran church – Tel./Fax +370 441 473 39 9 Lietuvininkų Street [email protected] Šilutė Catholic Church – 1 Katalikų baž. Street www.kintai.lt

VENTĖ HORN ORNITHOLOGICAL STATION Guesthouse VILKĖNU MALŪNAS 3*** (Nemunas delta RP) Švėkšna, Šilutės region, tel./fax +370 441 483 71 Ventė horn village, LT-99358 Kintai, Šilutė region Tel.: +370 441 685 14, 685 16 YOUTH HOSTEL Fax +370 441 685 17 72a Lietuvininkų Street, Šilutė [email protected] Tel. +370 441 518 04 Senior ornithologist: +370 441 685 41, Tel./Fax +370 441 518 06 +370 617 784 10 [email protected] LITHUANIA STATE TOURISM DEPARTAMENT under the Ministry of Economy 13 A. Juozapavičiaus Street, LT-09311 Vilnius, LITHUANIA Tel. +370 5 210 87 96, fax +370 5 210 87 53 [email protected]; www.tourism.lt

LITHUANIA TOURISM FUND 13 A. Juozapavičiaus Street, LT-09311 Vilnius, LITHUANIA Tel. +370 5 263 73 11, fax +370 5 272 65 54 [email protected]; www.travel.lt www.LithuanianTravel.com Original text: Roma Statulevičiūtė Printing house SAPNŲ SALA, 2007

LITHUANIAN TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES ABROAD

GERMANY Baltikum Tourismus Zentrale (BTZ) Fremdenverkehrszentrale Estland-Lettland-Litauen Katharinenstr. 19, 10711 Berlin Tel. 030 – 890 090 91, fax 030 – 890 090 92 [email protected], www.baltikuminfo.de FINDLAND Kapteeninkatu 7, 00140 Helsinki Tel. (358 9) 622 777 17, fax (358 9) 622 777 18 info@liettua.fi, www.liettua.fi RUSSIA Borisoglebskij per. 13, corpus 2, 121069 Moscow Tel./fax (7 095) 203 67 90 [email protected], www.litinfo.ru POLAND Al. Ujazdowskie 12, 00-536 Warszawa [email protected], www.litwatravel.com SPAIN L’Encarnacio, 70, bajos, 08034 Barselona Tel. (+34) 93 285 32 85, fax (+34) 93 334 34 69 [email protected], www.lituaniatur.com

Photos: Vaclovas Valužis, Ramūnas Dulinskis, Vytautas Jusys, Romas Mečionis, Erlandas Paplauskis, Sigitas Platūkis, Egidija Smilingienė, Roma Statulevičiūtė, Nida KTIC „Agila“, Klaipėda KTIC, Lietuvos Jūrų muziejus, „Juozo alus“